MEDIUM CONVEYING DEVICE AND CONVEYING CONTROL METHOD

Abstract

To improve convenience of users.SOLUTION: In a medium carrying device 20, a carrying path P1 has an opening O1 L which a medium to be read is inserted into or discharged from, a carrying path P3 branching from the carrying path P1 has an opening O3 from which the medium to be read is discharged, a flap 35 is arranged at a branch point JP2 between the carrying path P1 and the carrying path P3, and switches the opening used for discharging the medium to be read between the opening O1 L and the opening O3, while a processor 21 operates the flap 35 to discharge the medium to be read from the opening O1 L when the opening O3 is closed, when the opening O3 is open, the medium to be read is discharged from the opening O3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medium transport device and a transport control method. [Background technology]

[0002] In some scanners, the medium to be read by the scanner (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "medium to be read") is inserted into the transport path inside the scanner through an opening provided in the scanner. In some scanners into which the medium to be read is inserted, an opening provided in the front of the scanner (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front opening") is used both as an insertion port through which the medium to be read is inserted and as an ejection port through which the medium to be read is ejected after being read. The transport direction of the medium to be read in the transport path is reversed midway through the transport, so that the front opening can be used both as an insertion port and an ejection port. By using the opening provided in the front of the scanner as both an insertion port and an ejection port, the medium to be read inserted from the front side of the user returns to the front side of the user after being read. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-348019 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2010-050588 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2019-163131 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When one opening is used as both an insertion opening and an ejection opening, the medium to be read inserted through the opening returns to the same opening after being read. Therefore, when there are multiple medium to be read that a user wants to read consecutively, the user must wait until the medium to be read that was previously inserted into the opening, read, and then returned to the opening is removed before inserting the next medium to be read into the opening.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a technique that can improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The medium conveying device of the present disclosure has a first conveying path, a second conveying path, a switching unit, and a processor. The first conveying path has a first opening through which a medium is inserted or discharged. The second conveying path is a conveying path branching off from the first conveying path and has a second opening through which the medium is discharged. The switching unit is disposed at a branch point between the first conveying path and the second conveying path, and switches the opening used for discharging the medium between the first opening and the second opening. The processor operates the switching unit to discharge the medium from the first opening when the second opening is closed, and to discharge the medium from the second opening when the second opening is open. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the disclosed technology, it is possible to improve user convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a scanner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the scanner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the scanner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the empty sensor according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the empty sensor according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the empty sensor according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining Ω-turn transport of a thin medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining Ω-turn transport of a thin medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining Ω-turn transport of a thin medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining Ω-turn transport of a thin medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining Ω-turn transport of a thin medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining Ω-turn transport of a thin medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining return transport of a thin medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining return transport of a thin medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining return transport of a thin medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining return transport of a thin medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining return transport of a thin medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining return transport for a thick medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining return transport for a thick medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining return transport for a thick medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining return transport for a thick medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining return transport for a thick medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the conveyance device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same configurations and steps performing the same processes are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0010] [Example 1] <Scanner configuration> Figures 1, 2, and 3 are diagrams showing a configuration example of a scanner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 1 and 2 show side views, and Figure 3 shows a front view. An example of a medium to be read that is inserted into the scanner 1 shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 is a document on which characters and figures are written.

[0011] In FIG. 1, the scanner 1 has a lower housing 12, an upper housing 13, an image sensor 17, and a medium transport device 20.

[0012] The medium conveying device 20 includes a feed tray 11, a processor 21, a memory 29, a pick roller 22, an empty sensor 23, transmissive optical sensors 24 and 25, conveying rollers 26-1, 26-2, 27-1 and 27-2, conveying paths P1, P2 and P3, a flap 35, an open / close sensor 32 and an ultrasonic sensor 31. The driving of the pick roller 22 and the conveying rollers 26-1, 26-2, 27-1 and 27-2, and the raising and lowering of the flap 35 are controlled by the processor 21.

[0013] The image sensor 17 is realized by, for example, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) type image sensor as hardware. Examples of the processor 21 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Examples of the memory include a RAM (Random Access Memory) such as an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a flash memory.

[0014] The transport path P1 has an opening O1L provided on the front side of the scanner 1, an opening O1R provided on the rear side of the scanner 1, an upper surface S11, and a lower surface S12. The upper surface S11 of the transport path P1 corresponds to the lower surface of the upper housing 13, and the lower surface S12 of the transport path P1 corresponds to the upper surface of the lower housing 12. In other words, the transport path P1 is formed between the upper housing 13 and the lower housing 12. A medium to be read is inserted from the opening O1L, usually by the user's hand.

[0015] The transport path P2 has an opening O2 provided in the top surface of the upper housing 13, an upper surface S21, and a lower surface S22. A medium to be read placed on the feed tray 11 is inserted from the opening O2.

[0016] Here, the transport path P2 merges with the transport path P1 at a junction JP1 located midway along the transport path P1. Also, the height direction width H1 of the openings O1L and O1R of the transport path P1 (i.e., the distance between the upper surface S11 and the lower surface S12) is greater than the height direction width H2 of the opening O2 of the transport path P2 (i.e., the distance between the upper surface S21 and the lower surface S22).

[0017] Since the width H1 is greater than the width H2, a thick medium to be read (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "thick medium") is usually inserted into the opening O1L, and a thin medium to be read (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "thin medium") is usually inserted into the opening O2. Also, a thin medium may be inserted into the opening O1L.

[0018] The transport path P3 has an opening O3 provided in the top surface of the upper housing 13, and branches off from the transport path P1 at a branch point JP2 located midway along the transport path P1.

[0019] Conveying paths P1 and P2 are straight-line conveying paths (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "straight conveying paths"), while conveying path P3 is a U-shaped curved conveying path (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "curved conveying path"). Thin media curve easily, so they pass smoothly through conveying path P3 along the curved shape of conveying path P3. On the other hand, thick media do not curve easily, so when thick media pass through conveying path P3, there is a high possibility that a jam will occur in conveying path P3.

[0020] The feed tray 11 is attached to the upper housing 13 via a rotation shaft RA1 that the upper housing 13 has, and can be opened and closed around the rotation shaft RA1. FIG. 1 shows the feed tray 11 in an open state, and FIG. 2 shows the feed tray 11 in a closed state. The feed tray 11 is opened and closed manually. When the feed tray 11 is in an open state, the opening O3 is opened as shown in FIG. 1, and when the feed tray 11 is in a closed state, the feed tray 11 covers the opening O3 to close the opening O3 as shown in FIG. 2. The open / close sensor 32 can move up and down. When the feed tray 11 is in a closed state, the tip of the open / close sensor 32 touches the feed tray 11 and the open / close sensor 32 is pushed downward as shown in FIG. 2, so that the open / close sensor 32 is turned on. On the other hand, when the feed tray 11 is in an open state, the open / close sensor 32 moves upward as shown in FIG. 1, so that the open / close sensor 32 is turned off.

[0021] The transmission type optical sensor 24 has a light projector 24T and a light receiver 24R. The light projector 24T and the light receiver 24R are disposed opposite each other with the transport path P1 in between, and light projected from the light projector 24T toward the upper surface S11 side is received by the light receiver 24R. The light projector 24T is disposed on the lower surface S12 side, and the light receiver 24R is disposed on the upper surface S11 side. The amount of light projected by the light projector 24T is kept constant under the control of the processor 21.

[0022] The transmission type optical sensor 25 has a light projector 25T and a light receiver 25R. The light projector 25T and the light receiver 25R are disposed opposite to each other with the transport path P1 in between, and light projected from the light projector 25T toward the upper surface S11 side is received by the light receiver 25R. The light projector 25T is disposed on the lower surface S12 side, and the light receiver 25R is disposed on the upper surface S11 side. The amount of light projected by the light projector 25T is kept constant under the control of the processor 21.

[0023] The ultrasonic sensor 31 has a wave transmitter 31T and a wave receiver 31R. The wave transmitter 31T and the wave receiver 31R are arranged facing each other across the transport path P1, and ultrasonic waves transmitted from the wave transmitter 31T toward the upper surface S11 side are received by the wave receiver 31R. The wave transmitter 31T is arranged on the lower surface S12 side, and the wave receiver 31R is arranged on the upper surface S11 side. The intensity of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the wave transmitter 31T is kept constant under the control of the processor 21.

[0024] The flap 35 is disposed at the branch point JP2 between the transport paths P1 and P3, and switches the opening used for discharging the medium to be read being transported on the transport path P1 in the -X direction (leftward in the figure) between the opening O1L and the opening O3. The fulcrum of the flap 35 is formed on the upper housing 13. The fulcrum of the flap 35 is located at the rear end of the flap 35, and the state in which the tip of the flap 35 is raised toward the upper housing 13 is the initial position of the flap 35.

[0025] Hereinafter, the medium to be read inserted through the opening O1L may be referred to as the "first medium to be read," and the medium to be read inserted through the opening O2 may be referred to as the "second medium to be read."

[0026] <Transportation of the second read target medium> Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the empty sensor according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are diagrams illustrating an operation example of the empty sensor according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] 4, the empty sensor 23 has a transmission type optical sensor 28 and a movable member 50. The transmission type optical sensor 28 has a light projector 28T and a light receiver 28R. The light projector 28T and the light receiver 28R are disposed opposite to each other, and the light projected from the light projector 28T is received by the light receiver 28R. The amount of light projected by the light projector 28T is kept constant under the control of the processor 21. The movable member 50 has an arm 51 and levers 52 and 53 connected to the arm 51. The movable member 50 is a member that can freely rotate around a rotation axis RA2.

[0028] When the second medium to be read MD2 is not placed on the feed tray 11, as shown in Figure 5, the second medium to be read MD2 is not present on the transport path P2, so that the light projected from the light-emitter 28T is not blocked by the lever 53 and is received by the light-receiver 28R.

[0029] When the amount of light received by the light receiver 24R (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “first amount of received light”) is equal to or greater than a threshold value TH1, the processor 21 determines that the level of the first amount of received light (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “first level of received light”) is at a high level HA, and when the first amount of received light is less than the threshold value TH1, the processor 21 determines that the first level of received light is at a low level LA that is lower than the high level HA. The threshold value TH1 is stored in advance in the memory 29.

[0030] In addition, when the amount of light received at the light receiver 25R (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "second amount of light received") is greater than or equal to the threshold value TH1, the processor 21 determines that the level of the second amount of light received (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "second light receiving level") is at high level HA, and when the second amount of light received is less than the threshold value TH1, it determines that the second light receiving level is at low level LA.

[0031] In addition, when the amount of light received at the light receiver 28R (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "third amount of light received") is greater than or equal to the threshold value TH1, the processor 21 determines that the level of the third amount of light received (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "third light received level") is at high level HA, and when the third amount of light received is less than the threshold value TH1, it determines that the third light received level is at low level LA.

[0032] When the second medium to be read MD2 is placed on the feed tray 11 as shown in FIG. 6 while the feed tray 11 is in an open state, the second medium to be read MD2 is inserted into the transport path P2 from the opening O2, and the lever 52 is pushed up by the second medium to be read MD2. A plurality of second medium to be read MD2 can be placed on the feed tray 11. The second medium to be read MD2 is placed on the feed tray 11 in a face-up state with the print surface of the second medium to be read MD2 facing the image sensor 17. When the lever 52 is pushed up by the second medium to be read MD2, the lever 53 moves from the position shown in FIG. 5 to the position shown in FIG. 6 as the movable member 50 rotates rightward (clockwise). As a result, the light projected from the light projector 28T is blocked by the lever 53, and the third light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA. When the third light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA, the processor 21 starts rotating the pick roller 22 and the transport rollers 26-1, 26-2, 27-1, and 27-2, and lowers the tip of the flap 35 toward the lower housing 12. The processor 21 rotates the pick roller 22 and the transport rollers 26-1 and 27-1 rightward (clockwise), while rotating the transport rollers 26-2 and 27-2 leftward (counterclockwise). In addition, by lowering the tip of the flap 35 toward the lower housing 12, the transport path P3 and the transport path P1 are connected, and therefore, a continuous transport path is formed by the transport path P2, the transport path P1, and the transport path P3.

[0033] Here, for the conveying rollers 26-1 and 27-1, the clockwise rotation direction corresponds to the forward rotation direction, and the counterclockwise rotation direction corresponds to the reverse rotation direction. For the conveying rollers 26-2 and 27-2, the counterclockwise rotation direction corresponds to the forward rotation direction, and the clockwise rotation direction corresponds to the reverse rotation direction.

[0034] When the leading edge of the second medium MD2 to be read, which is conveyed by the pick roller 22 along the conveying path P2, passes the junction JP1 and reaches between the conveying rollers 27-1 and 27-2, the second medium MD2 to be read is conveyed in the -X direction (left direction in the figure) along the conveying path P1 by the conveying rollers 27-1 and 27-2. When the second medium MD2 to be read is conveyed in the -X direction along the conveying path P1 by the conveying rollers 27-1 and 27-2 and the leading edge of the second medium MD2 to be read reaches the transmission type optical sensor 25, the light projected from the light projector 25T is blocked by the second medium MD2 to be read, so that the second light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA. The processor 21 starts reading the second medium MD2 to be read by the image sensor 17 at the point when the second light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA. The second medium to be read MD2 is read by the image sensor 17 as the second medium to be read MD2 is transported in the -X direction on the transport path P1.

[0035] Furthermore, when the leading end of the second medium MD2 to be read reaches between the transport rollers 26-1 and 26-2 as the second medium MD2 to be read is transported in the -X direction on the transport path P1, the leading end of the second medium MD2 to be read is transported in the -X direction on the transport path P1 by the transport rollers 26-1 and 26-2. The leading end of the second medium MD2 to be read transported in the -X direction on the transport path P1 by the transport rollers 26-1 and 26-2 advances toward the branch point JP2 while contacting the upper surface of the flap 35 as the second medium MD2 to be read is transported, and enters the transport path P3. Thus, the second medium MD2 to be read after being read is transported in the +Z direction (upward in the figure) along the transport path P3 and discharged to the upper surface of the upper housing 13 through the opening O3.

[0036] Furthermore, the third light receiving level increases from low level LA to high level HA when the rear end of the last second medium to be read MD2 placed on the feed tray 11 passes through the empty sensor 23. The processor 21 stops the rotation of the pick roller 22 and the transport rollers 26-1, 26-2, 27-1, and 27-2 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the third light receiving level temporarily decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA and then increases again from the low level LA to the high level HA.

[0037] Here, the above-described transport method in which the second read target medium passes through the transport paths P2, P1, and P3 in this order and is discharged from the opening O3 is sometimes called "U-turn transport."

[0038] <Transportation of the first read target medium> There are two types of transport methods for the first read target medium: one called "Ω-turn transport" and the other called "return transport". In addition, both thin and thick media are assumed as the first read target medium. Therefore, hereinafter, the transport of the first read target medium will be described separately as Ω-turn transport for thin media, return transport for thin media, and return transport for thick media. In addition, hereinafter, the transport path P1 in the +X direction from the opening O1L to the opening O1R may be called the "outgoing path", and the transport path P1 in the -X direction from the opening O1R to the opening O1L may be called the "returning path". A transport method in which the transport path P1 is used as the outgoing path among the transport paths P1 and P3, while both the transport paths P1 and P3 are used as the returning path corresponds to "Ω-turn transport". In addition, a transport method in which only the transport path P1 is used as the outgoing path and the returning path among the transport paths P1 and P3 corresponds to "return transport".

[0039] <Ω-turn transport for thin media> 7 to 12 are diagrams illustrating Ω-turn transport of a thin medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] 7, when the feed tray 11 is open (i.e., the opening O3 is open), and the thin medium MD1-1 is inserted into the conveying path P1 from the opening O1L in the +X direction (to the right in the figure), the light projected from the light projector 24T is blocked by the thin medium MD1-1, so that the first light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA. The thin medium MD1-1 is inserted from the opening O1L in a face-up state in which the print surface of the thin medium MD1-1 faces the image sensor 17. When the first light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA, the processor 21 starts rotating the conveying rollers 26-1 and 27-1 counterclockwise, while starting to rotate the conveying rollers 26-2 and 27-2 clockwise. When the thin medium MD1-1 is further inserted in the +X direction and the leading edge of the thin medium MD1-1 reaches between the transport rollers 26-1 and 26-2, the thin medium MD1-1 is transported in the +X direction along the transport path P1 by the transport rollers 26-1 and 26-2.

[0041] Furthermore, when the reception level of the ultrasonic waves received by the receiver 31R (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "ultrasonic wave reception level") is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH2, the processor 21 determines that the ultrasonic wave reception level is at a high level HB, and when the ultrasonic wave reception level is less than the threshold value TH2, the processor 21 determines that the ultrasonic wave reception level is at a low level LB, which is lower than the high level HB. The threshold value TH2 is pre-stored in the memory 29. When the thickness of the first medium to be read is less than the threshold value THT, that is, when the first medium to be read is a thin medium, the ultrasonic wave reception level is at a high level HB. On the other hand, when the thickness of the first medium to be read is equal to or higher than the threshold value THT, that is, when the first medium to be read is a thick medium, the ultrasonic wave reception level is at a low level LB. In this way, the ultrasonic sensor 31 is used as a sensor for detecting the thickness of the first medium to be read.

[0042] Also, as shown in Figure 7, when the thin medium MD1-1 is further transported in the +X direction along the transport path P1 by the transport rollers 26-1, 26-2 and the tip of the thin medium MD1-1 reaches the transmissive optical sensor 25, the light projected from the spotlight 25T is blocked by the thin medium MD1-1, and the second light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA.

[0043] When the thin medium MD1-1 is transported further in the +X direction along the transport path P1 by the transport rollers 26-1, 26-2 and the leading edge of the thin medium MD1-1 reaches between the transport rollers 27-1 and 27-2, as shown in Figure 8, the thin medium MD1-1 is transported further in the +X direction along the transport path P1 by the transport rollers 27-1, 27-2.

[0044] Then, as shown in Figure 9, when the rear end of the thin medium MD1-1 passes the transmissive optical sensor 25, the light projected from the light emitter 25T is received by the light receiver 25R, and the second light receiving level increases from low level LA to high level HA.

[0045] When the second light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA once with the transport of the thin medium MD1-1 in the +X direction on the transport path P1 and then increases from the low level LA to the high level HA again, the processor 21 reverses the rotation direction of the transport rollers 26-1, 26-2, 27-1, and 27-2, rotating the transport rollers 26-1 and 27-1 clockwise while rotating the transport rollers 26-2 and 27-2 counterclockwise. This reverses the transport direction of the thin medium MD1-1 in the transport path P1 from the +X direction to the -X direction. In this way, the processor 21 reverses the rotation direction of the transport rollers 26-1, 26-2, 27-1, and 27-2 to reverse the transport direction of the thin medium MD1-1 from the +X direction to the -X direction. As a result, the thin medium MD1-1 is transported in the -X direction along the transport path P1 by the transport rollers 27-1 and 27-2. Furthermore, the processor 21 starts reading the thin medium MD1-1 by the image sensor 17 at the point in time when the transport direction of the thin medium MD1-1 is reversed from the +X direction to the -X direction.

[0046] Furthermore, when the transport direction of the thin medium MD1-1 is reversed from the +X direction to the -X direction, the processor 21 determines the open / closed state of the feed tray 11. When the open / close sensor 32 is off, the processor 21 determines that the feed tray 11 is open, that is, the opening O3 is open. On the other hand, when the open / close sensor 32 is on, the processor 21 determines that the feed tray 11 is closed, that is, the opening O3 is closed.

[0047] Furthermore, when processor 21 determines that feed tray 11 is open, it determines whether the first medium to be read is a thin medium or a thick medium. When the ultrasonic reception level is maintained at high level HB during the period from when the first light reception level decreases from high level HA to low level LA to when the second light reception level decreases from high level HA to low level LA (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "thickness determination time"), processor 21 determines that the first medium to be read is a thin medium. On the other hand, when the ultrasonic reception level becomes low level LB at any time during the thickness determination time, processor 21 determines that the first medium to be read is a thick medium.

[0048] When the processor 21 determines that the feed tray 11 is open and that the first medium to be read is a thin medium, it lowers the tip of the flap 35 toward the lower housing 12, as shown in Fig. 9. By lowering the tip of the flap 35 toward the lower housing 12, the transport paths P1 and P3 are connected, so that the transport paths P1 and P3 form a continuous return path. In this way, when the opening O3, which is the exit of the transport path P3, is open and the first medium to be read is a thin medium, the entrance of the transport path P3 is opened.

[0049] When the conveying direction is reversed from the +X direction to the -X direction and the rear end of the thin medium MD1-1 conveyed in the -X direction along the conveying path P1 reaches the transmissive optical sensor 25, the light projected from the light-emitter 25T is blocked by the thin medium MD1-1, and the second light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA.

[0050] Furthermore, the thin medium MD1-1 is read by the image sensor 17 as the thin medium MD1-1 is transported in the -X direction on the transport path P1.

[0051] Furthermore, when the leading end of the thin medium MD1-1 reaches between the transport rollers 26-1 and 26-2 as the thin medium MD1-1 is transported in the -X direction on the transport path P1, the thin medium MD1-1 is transported further in the -X direction on the transport path P1 by the transport rollers 26-1 and 26-2, as shown in Fig. 10. Because the leading end of the flap 35 is lowered toward the lower housing 12, the leading end of the thin medium MD1-1 transported in the -X direction on the transport path P1 by the transport rollers 26-1 and 26-2 advances toward the branch point JP2 while contacting the upper surface of the flap 35 as the thin medium MD1-1 is transported, as shown in Fig. 10, and enters the transport path P3. Therefore, the thin medium MD1-1 after reading is transported in the +Z direction (upward in the figure) along the transport path P3, as shown in Fig. 11, and is discharged to the top surface of the upper housing 13 through the opening O3.

[0052] Furthermore, when the leading edge of the thin medium MD1-1 passes the transmission type optical sensor 25 as the thin medium MD1-1 is transported in the -X direction, the light projected from the light projector 25T is received by the light receiver 25R, and the second light reception level increases from the low level LA to the high level HA. The processor 21 stops the rotation of the transport rollers 26-1, 26-2, 27-1, and 27-2 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the point when the second light reception level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA as the thin medium MD1-1 is transported in the -X direction on the transport path P1 and then increases again from the low level LA to the high level HA, and as shown in FIG.

[0053] In this way, when the opening O3 is open, the thin medium MD1-1 inserted into the opening O1L from the front side of the user is discharged from the opening O3 to the upper surface of the upper housing 13 after reading, without returning to the opening O1L. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, when there is a thin medium MD1-2 that the user wants to read after the thin medium MD1-1, the thin medium MD1-1 that obstructs the insertion of the thin medium MD1-2 into the opening O1L is not present in the opening O1L at the time when the thin medium MD1-2 is inserted into the opening O1L. Therefore, when the user inserts the thin medium MD1-2 that the user wants to read after the thin medium MD1-1 into the opening O1L, it is not necessary for the user to remove the thin medium MD1-1 that has been inserted into the opening O1L and read before the thin medium MD1-2 from the opening O1L. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the user can insert thin medium MD1-2 into opening O1L while leaving thin medium MD1-1 placed on the top surface of upper housing 13, thereby improving user convenience.

[0054] <Return transport for thin media> 13 to 17 are diagrams illustrating the return transport of a thin medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] 13, when the feed tray 11 is closed (i.e., the opening O3 is closed), if the thin medium MD1-1 is inserted into the conveying path P1 from the opening O1L in the +X direction (to the right in the figure), the light projected from the light projector 24T is blocked by the thin medium MD1-1, and the first light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA. The thin medium MD1-1 is inserted from the opening O1L in a face-up state in which the print surface of the thin medium MD1-1 faces the image sensor 17. When the first light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA, the processor 21 starts rotating the conveying rollers 26-1 and 27-1 counterclockwise, while starting to rotate the conveying rollers 26-2 and 27-2 clockwise. When the thin medium MD1-1 is further inserted in the +X direction and the leading edge of the thin medium MD1-1 reaches between the transport rollers 26-1 and 26-2, the thin medium MD1-1 is transported in the +X direction along the transport path P1 by the transport rollers 26-1 and 26-2.

[0056] As shown in Figure 13, when the thin medium MD1-1 is further transported in the +X direction along the transport path P1 by the transport rollers 26-1, 26-2 and the tip of the thin medium MD1-1 reaches the transmissive optical sensor 25, the light projected from the light-emitter 25T is blocked by the thin medium MD1-1, and the second light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA.

[0057] When the thin medium MD1-1 is transported further in the +X direction along the transport path P1 by the transport rollers 26-1, 26-2 and the leading edge of the thin medium MD1-1 reaches between the transport rollers 27-1 and 27-2, as shown in Figure 14, the thin medium MD1-1 is transported further in the +X direction along the transport path P1 by the transport rollers 27-1, 27-2.

[0058] Then, as shown in Figure 15, when the rear end of the thin medium MD1-1 passes the transmissive optical sensor 25, the light projected from the light emitter 25T is received by the light receiver 25R, and the second light receiving level increases from low level LA to high level HA.

[0059] When the second light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA once with the transport of the thin medium MD1-1 in the +X direction on the transport path P1 and then increases from the low level LA to the high level HA again, the processor 21 reverses the rotation direction of the transport rollers 26-1, 26-2, 27-1, and 27-2, rotating the transport rollers 26-1 and 27-1 clockwise while rotating the transport rollers 26-2 and 27-2 counterclockwise. This reverses the transport direction of the thin medium MD1-1 in the transport path P1 from the +X direction to the -X direction. In this way, the processor 21 reverses the rotation direction of the transport rollers 26-1, 26-2, 27-1, and 27-2 to reverse the transport direction of the thin medium MD1-1 from the +X direction to the -X direction. As a result, the thin medium MD1-1 is transported in the -X direction along the transport path P1 by the transport rollers 27-1 and 27-2. Furthermore, the processor 21 starts reading the thin medium MD1-1 by the image sensor 17 at the point in time when the transport direction of the thin medium MD1-1 is reversed from the +X direction to the -X direction.

[0060] Furthermore, the processor 21 determines whether the feed tray 11 is open or closed when the transport direction of the thin medium MD1-1 is reversed from the +X direction to the -X direction.

[0061] When the processor 21 determines that the feed tray 11 is closed, the flap 35 is maintained at the initial position without lowering the tip of the flap 35 toward the lower housing 12, as shown in Fig. 15. In this manner, when the opening O3, which is the exit of the transport path P3, is closed, the entrance of the transport path P3 is closed by the flap 35.

[0062] When the conveying direction is reversed from the +X direction to the -X direction and the rear end of the thin medium MD1-1 conveyed in the -X direction along the conveying path P1 reaches the transmissive optical sensor 25, the light projected from the light-emitter 25T is blocked by the thin medium MD1-1, and the second light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA.

[0063] Furthermore, the thin medium MD1-1 is read by the image sensor 17 as the thin medium MD1-1 is transported in the -X direction on the transport path P1.

[0064] Furthermore, when the leading edge of thin medium MD1-1 reaches between transport rollers 26-1 and 26-2 as thin medium MD1-1 is transported in the -X direction on transport path P1, thin medium MD1-1 is further transported in the -X direction on transport path P1 by transport rollers 26-1 and 26-2, as shown in Fig. 16. Because the leading edge of flap 35 is raised toward upper housing 13, thin medium MD1-1 transported in the -X direction on transport path P1 by transport rollers 26-1 and 26-2 continues in the -X direction on transport path P1 without entering transport path P3, as shown in Fig. 16.

[0065] Therefore, after reading, the thin medium MD1-1 is discharged from the opening O1L to the front of the scanner 1, as shown in FIG.

[0066] Furthermore, when the leading edge of the thin medium MD1-1 passes the transmission type optical sensor 25 as the thin medium MD1-1 is transported in the -X direction, the light projected from the light projector 25T is received by the light receiver 25R, and the second light receiving level increases from the low level LA to the high level HA. The processor 21 stops the rotation of the transport rollers 26-1, 26-2, 27-1, and 27-2 a predetermined time after the second light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA as the thin medium MD1-1 is transported in the -X direction on the transport path P1 and then increases again from the low level LA to the high level HA.

[0067] <Return transport for thick media> 18 to 22 are diagrams illustrating the return transport of a thick medium in the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] 18, when the feed tray 11 is open (i.e., the opening O3 is open), and the thick medium MD1-3 is inserted into the conveying path P1 from the opening O1L in the +X direction (to the right in the figure), the light projected from the light projector 24T is blocked by the thick medium MD1-3, so that the first light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA. The thick medium MD1-3 is inserted from the opening O1L in a face-up state in which the print surface of the thick medium MD1-3 faces the image sensor 17. When the first light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA, the processor 21 starts rotating the conveying rollers 26-1 and 27-1 counterclockwise, while starting to rotate the conveying rollers 26-2 and 27-2 clockwise. When the thick medium MD1-3 is further inserted in the +X direction and the leading edge of the thick medium MD1-3 reaches between the transport rollers 26-1 and 26-2, the thick medium MD1-3 is transported in the +X direction along the transport path P1 by the transport rollers 26-1 and 26-2.

[0069] As shown in Figure 18, when the thick medium MD1-3 is further transported in the +X direction along the transport path P1 by the transport rollers 26-1, 26-2 and the tip of the thick medium MD1-3 reaches the transmissive optical sensor 25, the light projected from the light-emitter 25T is blocked by the thick medium MD1-3, and the second light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA.

[0070] When thick medium MD1-3 is transported further in the +X direction along transport path P1 by transport rollers 26-1, 26-2 and the leading edge of thick medium MD1-3 reaches between transport rollers 27-1 and 27-2, as shown in Figure 19, thick medium MD1-3 is transported further in the +X direction along transport path P1 by transport rollers 27-1, 27-2.

[0071] Then, as shown in Figure 20, when the rear end of the thick medium MD1-3 passes the transmissive optical sensor 25, the light projected from the light emitter 25T is received by the light receiver 25R, and the second light receiving level increases from low level LA to high level HA.

[0072] When the second light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA once with the transport of the thick medium MD1-3 in the +X direction on the transport path P1, and then increases from the low level LA to the high level HA again, the processor 21 reverses the rotation direction of the transport rollers 26-1, 26-2, 27-1, and 27-2, rotating the transport rollers 26-1 and 27-1 clockwise while rotating the transport rollers 26-2 and 27-2 counterclockwise. This reverses the transport direction of the thick medium MD1-3 on the transport path P1 from the +X direction to the -X direction. In this way, the processor 21 reverses the rotation direction of the transport rollers 26-1, 26-2, 27-1, and 27-2, thereby reversing the transport direction of the thick medium MD1-3 from the +X direction to the -X direction. As a result, the thick medium MD1-3 is transported in the -X direction along the transport path P1 by the transport rollers 27-1 and 27-2. Furthermore, the processor 21 starts reading the thick medium MD1-3 by the image sensor 17 at the point in time when the transport direction of the thick medium MD1-3 is reversed from the +X direction to the -X direction.

[0073] Furthermore, the processor 21 determines whether the feed tray 11 is open or closed when the transport direction of the thick medium MD1-3 is reversed from the +X direction to the -X direction. Furthermore, when the processor 21 determines that the feed tray 11 is open, it determines whether the first medium to be read is a thin medium or a thick medium. When the processor 21 determines that the feed tray 11 is open and that the first medium to be read is a thick medium, it maintains the flap 35 in its initial position without lowering the tip of the flap 35 toward the lower housing 12, as shown in FIG. 20. In this way, even when the opening O3, which is the exit of the transport path P3, is open, when the first medium to be read is a thick medium, the entrance of the transport path P3 is closed by the flap 35.

[0074] When the conveying direction is reversed from the +X direction to the -X direction and the rear end of the thick medium MD1-3 conveyed in the -X direction on the conveying path P1 reaches the transmissive optical sensor 25, the light projected from the light-emitter 25T is blocked by the thick medium MD1-3, and the second light receiving level decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA.

[0075] Furthermore, the thick medium MD1-3 is read by the image sensor 17 as it is transported in the -X direction on the transport path P1.

[0076] Furthermore, when the leading edge of thick medium MD1-3 reaches between transport rollers 26-1 and 26-2 as thick medium MD1-3 is transported in the -X direction on transport path P1, thick medium MD1-3 is further transported in the -X direction on transport path P1 by transport rollers 26-1 and 26-2, as shown in Fig. 21. Because the leading edge of flap 35 is raised toward upper housing 13, thick medium MD1-3 transported in the -X direction on transport path P1 by transport rollers 26-1 and 26-2 proceeds in the -X direction on transport path P1 as is without entering transport path P3, as shown in Fig. 21.

[0077] Therefore, after reading, the thick medium MD1-3 is discharged from the opening O1L to the front of the scanner 1, as shown in FIG.

[0078] Furthermore, when the leading edge of the thick medium MD1-3 passes the transmission type optical sensor 25 as the thick medium MD1-3 is transported in the -X direction, the light projected from the light projector 25T is received by the light receiver 25R, and the second light receiving level increases from the low level LA to the high level HA. The processor 21 stops the rotation of the transport rollers 26-1, 26-2, 27-1, and 27-2 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the second light receiving level temporarily decreases from the high level HA to the low level LA as the thick medium MD1-3 is transported in the -X direction on the transport path P1 and then increases again from the low level LA to the high level HA.

[0079] <Processing procedure in the transport device> 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the conveyance device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, which is performed on the first read target medium.

[0080] 23, in step S100, the processor 21 determines whether the opening O3 is open or closed by determining the open / closed state of the feed tray 11. If the opening O3 is open (step S100: Yes), the process proceeds to step S105, and if the opening O3 is closed (step S100: No), the process ends without performing the processes of steps S105 and S110.

[0081] In step S105, the processor 21 determines whether the first medium to be read is a thin medium or a thick medium. If the first medium to be read is a thin medium (step S105: Yes), the process proceeds to step S110. If the first medium to be read is a thick medium (step S105: No), the process ends without performing the process of step S110.

[0082] In step S110, the processor 21 connects the transport path P1 and the transport path P3 by lowering the tip of the flap 35 toward the lower housing 12. As the tip of the flap 35 descends toward the lower housing 12, a continuous return path is formed by the transport path P1 and the transport path P3.

[0083] Therefore, when the opening O3 is open and the first medium to be read is a thin medium, the first medium to be read is discharged from the opening O3 to the top surface of the scanner 1. When the opening O3 is closed, regardless of whether the first medium to be read is a thin medium or a thick medium, the first medium to be read is discharged from the opening O1L to the front of the scanner 1. When the opening O3 is open and the first medium to be read is a thick medium, the first medium to be read is discharged from the opening O1L to the front of the scanner 1.

[0084] The first embodiment has been described above.

[0085] [Example 2] In the first embodiment, the medium conveying device 20 is applied to a scanner 1 having an image sensor 17. However, the medium conveying device 20 can also be applied to a printer having a print head instead of the image sensor 17. When the medium conveying device 20 is applied to a printer, the above-mentioned medium to be read is replaced with a medium to be printed by the printer device (i.e., a medium to be printed).

[0086] The second embodiment has been described above.

[0087] [Example 3] All or part of each process in the above description in the processor 21 may be realized by making the processor 21 execute a program corresponding to each process. For example, a program corresponding to each process in the above description may be stored in the memory 29, and the program may be read from the memory 29 by the processor 21 and executed. The program may also be stored in a program server connected to the scanner 1 via an arbitrary network, downloaded from the program server to the scanner 1 and executed, or stored in a recording medium readable by the scanner 1, read from the recording medium and executed. Examples of recording media readable by the scanner 1 include portable storage media such as memory cards, USB memories, SD cards, flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and Blu-ray (registered trademark) disks. The program is a data processing method described in any language or any description method, and may be in any format such as source code or binary code. The program is not necessarily limited to a single program, but may be a program that is distributed as multiple modules or multiple libraries, or a program that achieves its function by working with a separate program such as an OS.

[0088] The third embodiment has been described above.

[0089] As described above, the medium conveying device (medium conveying device 20 in the embodiment) of the present disclosure has a first conveying path (conveying path P1 in the embodiment), a second conveying path (conveying path P3 in the embodiment), a switching unit (flap 35 in the embodiment), and a processor (processor 21 in the embodiment). The first conveying path has a first opening (opening O1L in the embodiment) through which a medium (medium to be read in the embodiment) is inserted or discharged. The second conveying path is a conveying path branched from the first conveying path, and has a second opening (opening O3 in the embodiment) through which the medium is discharged. The switching unit is disposed at a branch point (branch point JP2 in the embodiment) between the first conveying path and the second conveying path, and switches the opening used for discharging the medium between the first opening and the second opening. The processor operates the switching unit to discharge the medium from the first opening when the second opening is closed, and to discharge the medium from the second opening when the second opening is open.

[0090] In this way, when the second opening is open, a medium inserted into the first opening from the front side of the user is discharged from the second opening after being read without returning to the first opening. This allows the user to continuously insert multiple media that the user wants to read into the first opening, improving user convenience. Also, when the second opening is closed, a medium inserted into the first opening from the front side of the user is discharged from the first opening after being read, preventing a medium jam in the second transport path.

[0091] The medium conveying device of the present disclosure also has a sensor (ultrasonic sensor 31 in the embodiment) that detects the thickness of the medium inserted through the first opening. The first conveying path has a straight shape, while the second conveying path has a curved shape. The processor ejects the medium from the first opening when the thickness of the medium is equal to or greater than the threshold, even when the second opening is open.

[0092] In this way, when a thick medium is inserted into the first opening, after it has been read, it is ejected from the first opening rather than being conveyed out of the second opening, thereby preventing the thick medium from jamming in the second transport path. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1. Scanner 20 Media transport device 21 Processors 31 Ultrasonic Sensor 32 Open / close sensor 35 Flap P1, P2, P3 transport path O1L,O1R,O2,O3 opening

Claims

1. a first transport path having a first opening through which the medium is inserted or ejected; a second transport path branching off from the first transport path, the second transport path having a second opening through which the medium is discharged; a switching unit that is disposed at a branch point between the first transport path and the second transport path and that switches an opening used for discharging the medium between the first opening and the second opening; a sensor for detecting a thickness of the medium inserted through the first opening; a processor that, when the thickness is less than a threshold value, causes the switching unit to close the second opening, while transporting the medium inserted from the first opening in a first direction, and then causes the switching unit to close the first opening and transport the medium in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, thereby discharging the medium from the second opening via the second transport path; A medium transport device comprising:

2. The first conveying path has a straight shape, while the second conveying path has a curved shape, The processor causes the medium to be discharged from the first opening when the thickness is equal to or greater than a threshold even when the second opening is open. The media transport device of claim 1 .

3. a third transport path having a third opening through which the medium is inserted, the third transport path continuing into the first transport path; When the medium is inserted into the third opening, the processor operates the switching unit to eject the medium from the second opening. The media transport device of claim 1 .

4. a first transport path having a first opening through which the medium is inserted or ejected; a second transport path branching off from the first transport path, the second transport path having a second opening through which the medium is discharged; a switching unit that is disposed at a branch point between the first transport path and the second transport path and that switches an opening used for discharging the medium between the first opening and the second opening; a sensor for detecting a thickness of the medium inserted through the first opening; A method for controlling conveyance in a medium conveyance device comprising: When the thickness is less than a threshold value, the medium inserted from the first opening is transported in a first direction while the switching unit closes the second opening; after transporting the medium in the first direction, the switching unit closes the first opening and transports the medium in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby discharging the medium from the second opening via the second transport path. Transport control method.

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